Solar program creating opportunities in Kimberley

May 13, 2019

A Horizon Power project to install centralised solar farms in the Kimberley, Western Australia, has the potential to deliver long-lasting cost benefits through sustainable energy solutions, as well as local employment and business opportunities.

The
centralised solar project to install solar farms and energy storage into six
remote Aboriginal communities will be funded by an $11.6 million investment
announced as part of the State budget.

Horizon
Power CEO Stephanie Unwin said the project offers customers a safe, more
reliable, cost-effective source of power.

“The project will significantly reduce the cost of providing power to these towns, which are currently fuelled 100 per cent by diesel.

Construction
is scheduled for Warmun and Kalumburu in 2020 and in Ardyaloon, Beagle Bay,
Djarindjin, Lombadina and Bidyadanga in 2021.

The
project is being rolled out alongside Horizon Power’s Solar Incentive Scheme
which encourages eligible Aboriginal Corporations to invest in their own
roof-top solar on community buildings, with Horizon Power contributing up to 30
per cent of the cost.